Torah from Jericho

No Palestinian State on My Watch

In a last-ditch attempt to win right-wing voters away from Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman, Bibi Netanyahu forcefully proclaimed there will be no Palestinian state on his watch. He also spoke in Har Homa, across the green line, stating that without that city there would be a “Hamastan” established in East Jerusalem. Netanyahu is clearly desparate for last second voters as recent polls have shown him behind the Zionist Union party of Isaac Herzog and Tzipi Livni.

While I happen to agree with Netanyahu on Iran, I’m starting to feel that regarding the election Netanyahu is using scare tactics without offering a viable alternative. True there is no viable Palestinian peace partner, but to boldy proclaim that there will be “No Palestinian state” no matter what without offering a viable alternative as to what there will be will not, in my opinion, sway the majority of Israeli voters. The right-wingers are already committed to Bennett and Lieberman, the left-wingers want a change and those in the center will most likely vote with their pocketbooks for a change in the Israeli economy as opposed to concerns of national security.

Late this afternoon we will see what the verdict is. Keep in mind, however, that even if Netanyahu’s Likud does not have the most seats, he could remain in power if the Zionist Union is unable to form a coalition. I remember too well 2008 when Tzipi Livni’s Kadima had won the most seats but she was unable to form a coalition, so Netanyahu stayed in power. If Netanyahu is able to form the coalition, the status quo, for better or worse, will remain in effect. This means no negotiations, a hard line on national security and a struggling Israeli economy for everyone who is not rich.